Laoag city: A solar energy roadshow reached residents in this city on Thursday to promote smarter and more sustainable energy solutions to households and small business owners.
According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, along with representatives of ACEN Corporation, GCash, Solaric, and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC), led the two-day solar rooftop campaign roadshow to promote the installation of solar rooftops and net metering to eligible applicants.
"We are holding this roadshow to fully explain and answer all queries regarding the project," said Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos on Thursday, enjoining more Ilocanos to consider shifting to renewable energy.
Laoag City Councilor Jaybee Baquiran said the initiative highlights the importance of renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and the collective effort toward a greener future for communities. He represented the city government during the presentation at the City Covered Court.
Since the March 16 launch of the first province-led solar rooftop campaign at the Capitol auditorium, the Provincial Planning and Development Office reported 64 applicants have expressed interest in the project. They come from Laoag City and the towns of Pagudpud and Dingras, where the project is being pilot tested.
Through the campaign, participating households can install solar rooftop systems with flexible financing options without needing traditional bank collateral. Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, offers convenient digital application and payment terms via its installment feature, GGives, with terms ranging from three to 10 years for as low as PHP1,300 per month.
Households will also benefit from net metering enabled through INEC, allowing excess electricity generated from their solar systems to be exported to the grid in exchange for bill credits - helping further reduce monthly electricity expenses.
Solaric Philippines will support the supply and installation of solar rooftop systems for participating households.
The campaign will initially prioritize households with average consumption of 4 kilowatt-hours per day and above, where solar installations can deliver the most meaningful savings.
